Portland man cleared of stabbing white man after he used N-word

A recent case in Portland, Oregon, has sparked controversy after a black man, Gary Edwards, was acquitted of assault charges for stabbing a white man, Gregory Howard Jr. The incident occurred on July 7th, and Edwards claimed self-defense after Howard used racial slurs towards him.

Both Edwards and Howard are homeless individuals with lengthy criminal records. Surveillance video captured the moment when Edwards approached Howard from behind with a knife in his hand. A scuffle ensued, leading to Howard being stabbed in the shoulder. Despite the lack of audio in the video, Edwards’ defense attorney argued that his client was trying to trade knives for cigarettes with Howard.

After the attack, police body camera footage revealed Howard using a racial slur towards Edwards. Howard claimed he only used the slur after being stabbed, but Edwards testified that Howard used the racial slur as soon as he saw him. Edwards’ attorney argued that the racial slur indicated racism and animosity towards his client.

The prosecution argued that Howard’s use of the racial slur was irrelevant and that Edwards was in control of the situation throughout the attack. Despite this, Edwards was acquitted on October 31st. Edwards has a history of violent offenses, including a previous conviction for attempted assault and a three-year prison sentence for a separate stabbing incident in 2020.

Howard also has a criminal record, including a felony rape conviction in 1997. The case has sparked debate over the use of racial slurs and self-defense in violent encounters. The outcome of the trial has raised questions about the interpretation of self-defense laws and the role of race in such cases.